Low-density polydicyclopentadiene through the use of microspheres

The ring opening metathesis polymerization of dicyclopentadiene in the presence of ruthenium-based complexes is a facile way to introduce the fillers into resin bulk. The unexpanded microspheres used as fillers allow decreasing in polymer density. Optimum conditions were found that provide a balance between the expansion rate of microspheres and the curing rate of dicyclopentadiene. In addition, the impact of the type and concentration of microspheres on the density of the obtained polymers and their physical and mechanical properties was studied. The optimal content of microspheres, creating a good balance between lower density and properties, should be considered as 1%, while the optimal concentration to obtain the lowest density is 5%.